Demolition begins at the Former Glan Afan School Site

Jehu Project Services is set to start demolition work on the former Glan Afan Comprehensive School in Port Talbot. The demolition includes the former school buildings to the rear of the old Victorian grammar school building, the red brick facade of which will be retained within the development. Once completed, the redevelopment project will include a mix of homes and commercial units.

Glan Afan Comprehensive School closed its doors for the final time back in July 2016, with pupils transferring to Ysgol Bae Baglan. The move was part of Neath Port Talbot Council’s Strategic Schools Improvement Programme.

The £7 million investment is one of a number of projects in Port Talbot’s regeneration programme, which will see over £35 million invested in and around the town centre, partly funded by the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places Programme. The project has also received funding of £2.5m from the Welsh Government’s Social Housing Grant Programme.

The site will be redeveloped by Coastal Housing Group and will provide 47 residential units and commercial space fronting Station Road. The full demolition work is expected to last up to 12 weeks, with completion of the development targeted for end of 2018.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Councillor Rob Jones, former pupil of Glan Afan with historic connections to the site said: “The start of demolition at the Glan Afan site is another important milestone in the regeneration of Port Talbot town centre. The development is in a prominent location in the main shopping area of the town and the creation of new accommodation and commercial space will reinvigorate this part of Port Talbot. This project is an excellent example of how the Vibrant and Viable Places Programme is breathing new life into our town centres for the benefit of residents, businesses and visitors”.

Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children, Carl Sargeant said: “It is great news that work on Coastal Housing’s new development is underway and I am delighted that the project is being delivered with support from the Welsh Government through the Vibrant and Viable Places programme and the Social Housing Grant. The Glan Afan housing development on the former school site is providing much needed affordable homes, as well as improving the area for new and existing residents. It is an excellent example of how a housing development can benefit the whole community.”

Gareth Davies, Director of Development at Coastal Housing Group said: “We’re excited to be underway with the demolition, as it means we are now one step closer to bringing the development plans to reality.

“Additional housing will provide great benefits for local people looking to get on the property ladder, with commercial space creating job opportunities and encouraging businesses to the area”.

For more information, please visit: www.npt.gov.uk/places